Picea abies ‘Dandylion is a colorful mounding form of Norway Spruce. Small red female cones form on the tips of yellow shoots. Branches arch up and down, spreading to fill space. Relatively short needles provide a fine texture. Selected by Bob Fincham in 2002, it was a seedling from a cross of the heavily coned Picea abies ‘Acrocona’ and weeping ‘Gold Drift’. Mature size: 4’H x 4’H Zone 3
A dark green, compact selection, the irregularly mounding Picea abies ‘Mucronata’ produces thick, stiff shoots with large, brown buds. Plants grow slowly when young, but as they mature, the rate of growth accelerates and they eventually develop leaders with several sub-leaders. Mature size 6’H x 4’W Zone 4
Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’ from Denmark is deservedly popular for its narrow, uniform habit and glossy, green foliage in summer and winter. A hit since its introduction, it also displays resistance to spider mites. Hardy, durable and adaptable to many conditions. Mature size: 15’H x 3’W Zone 4
Pinus nigra ‘Helga’ is slow-growing, rounded form with white buds that contrast against fresh, spring green needles. The attractive, fluffy form was discovered as a witch’s broom on a 60-year-old Pinus nigra in Germany. An excellent choice for small space gardens, containers and courtyards, even in sandy, coastal soils. An excellent stand-alone specimen or part of a broad, multi-plant border. Mature size: 8’H x 8’W Zone 4
Pinus strobus ‘Angel Falls’ originated as a slow-growing seedling of P.s. ‘Pendula’ in 1981 at Iseli Nursery. ‘Angel Falls’ has very long, very narrow, light green needles and a strong weeping habit. Its closely held branches develop graceful draping forms that combine a tall, narrow stature with a broad, flowing skirt. After 20 years of evaluation, the unique tree offers elegance and style and was named after the renowned Venezuelan waterfall. Zone 3
Pinus strobus ‘Louie’ has long, thin, vibrant yellow needles that stay brightly colored year-round. Interior foliage that is shaded stays fresh green, so the yellow really stands out. Large, open and upright, the symmetrical pyramid, best planted in full sun, seems to reflect the rays of the sun back into the garden. Originated and introduced to the trade by Kate Brook Nursery, Vermont. Mature size: 20’H x 15’W Zone 3
The long, fine foliage, narrow, pendulous stems and irregular mounding habit make Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Filifera’ a compelling garden accent. The scale-like foliage, a fresh green in spring, takes on softer tones in winter and complements the reddish brown bark. Over time, trees develop a compact, pyramidal form that makes them excellent candidates for sculpting. Hardy and adaptable to both cold and warm climates. Mature size: 12’H x 12’W Zone 4
A naturally artistic, sweeping habit makes Pinus parviflora ‘Goldilocks’ a unique garden specimen. An overlay of soft, golden highlights contrast the silver undertones on the curved, green needles. For optimum color, seek a balance between sun and shade. Well-drained soil is required for this beauty to thrive. Mature size: 8’H x 6’W Zone 5
Superior seasonal color makes Picea glauca ‘Rainbow’s End’® a brilliant addition to the summer garden. A second flush of growth transforms the light green, conical tree in mid-summer into a beacon of bright lemon yellow. Although similar in size and shape to ‘Conica,’ the extraordinary color of this tree offers a dramatic summer surprise. Found as a mutation at Iseli Nursery in 1978, it appreciates consistent moisture, good nutrition and an occasional blast from the garden hose during summer to increase pest resistance. Mature size: 6’H x 2’W Zone 4
The spreading, vivid yellow foliage of Juniperus horizontalis ‘Gold Strike’ creates a bright, cheery spot in the garden throughout the year. In spring, brilliant new growth freshens up the chartreuse interior foliage and continues the sparkling display through fall, when the look gradually softens with coral tones. The low, somewhat mounded, seedling selection from J.h. ‘Mother Lode’ performs best grown in moist, well-drained soil and protected from scorching sun. Mature size: 6″H x 3’W Zone 3
